Iran has clarified that it is engaged in negotiations with Oman but not with the United States, contradicting earlier statements from President Donald Trump suggesting that talks between the two nations would resume. Trump had announced that discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict would commence on Monday and that he had postponed “massive” military strikes against Iran to facilitate these negotiations.
The Iranian government’s denial of direct talks with Washington prompted a sharp response from Trump, who characterized Iran’s leadership as “unbelievably duplicitous” on his Truth Social platform. Despite Tehran’s public rejection of negotiations with the US, Trump insisted that discussions were actively occurring, describing the situation as “the last chance” for Iran to reach a favorable agreement. According to Trump, the potential deal would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that Iran has repeatedly closed since February, and would also address nuclear matters.
The escalating rhetoric coincided with declining global oil prices, as Brent Crude fell 4.5 percent following Trump’s announcement. Commercial shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz has slowed significantly, with vessel crossings dropping approximately 28 percent in recent days. Mediated negotiations between the parties had previously collapsed last month, ending a ceasefire that had been in place since April.
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